'All goes to rakyat': Nazri urges for equal allocation for all MPs

PARLIAMENT | Both government and opposition MPs should be given equal allocations to develop their constituencies, said Nazri Aziz (BN-Padang Rengas).

“Because both were chosen by the rakyat and the allocation is something that is pro-rakyat.

“We should not discriminate between government MPs or opposition MPs because it (the allocation) will all go to the rakyat.

“This aid must be given to the rakyat who have not committed any wrongdoings in choosing their representatives because we practice democracy,” Nazri said in his speech in the Dewan Rakyat today.

It was reported in February this year that opposition MPs were given RM100,000 in allocations, whereas government MPs received RM3.7 million.

Traditionally, opposition MPs did not receive any allocation from the federal government until recent years.

'Five years, we mean five years'

Other parliamentary reforms that Nazri would like to see include a fixed term of five years for Parliament.

“I hope when we decide on the term (of Parliament), if possible, I ask that we agree when we say five years, we mean five years.

“This will enable us to plan better within the five years,” he said.

Under the current provisions, a general election must be held at least once every five years, but the prime minister can ask the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve Parliament at any time within this five-year period.

Nazri said they would be inadvertently lying to the rakyat if they dissolved Parliament before the five years were up.

“We told the rakyat, you choose your representative for the next five years, but suddenly after two or three years, they have to choose again, so indirectly, we have lied to the rakyat,” he said.

With a fixed five-year term, Nazri said the government could also allocate a certain amount every year to the Election Commission in preparation for the general election at the end of the five years.

Nazri also urged for a two-term limit for the prime minister to prevent them from consolidating power over the period of many terms.

“A lot of things can happen if someone stays as prime minister for very long, he can consolidate power, and finally he will indirectly become a dictator.

“Two terms will not be enough for someone to consolidate powers,” he said.

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